Downtown Emporia was hustling and bustling Saturday as local shoppers got out to support local businesses as part of Small Business Saturday.
The day saw local retailers extend and alter their business hours to help residents find the perfect gifts for the holiday season. Jessica Buccholz of Emporia Main Street says every day in Emporia “is small business Saturday.”
Buccholz adds that supporting a local business means you are helping to further strengthen the “foundation” of the local community.
Trox Gallery and Gifts was once again participating in Small Business Saturday. Manager Kristin Oberle (OH-ber-lee) says there are several benefits to shopping local, namely a more personal experience with the business staff.
Kathy Zwolenski of Kari’s Diamonds agrees and says there also several items inside local businesses that you cannot find anywhere else.
Saturday also marked the beginning of the Emporia Arts Center’s annual Art Gifts promotion. Gallery Manager Sarah Bulinski says when you shop at EAC you are supporting so much more than the business itself.
Along with hunting for the perfect deals, residents were also searching for some of Santa’s little helpers as Emporia Main Street once again put on an elf hunt. Residents who managed to find the elves within local businesses and get their passports turned in Saturday were entered into a special prize drawing. That drawing will take place Monday.
